There are many important firsts for a new baby, but getting on an airplane is one that should be handled with caution and care. Flying can be risky for infants, but is usually fine as long as they are in good health. Keep in mind that airlines typically do not allow babies under a week old to fly without a doctor's note. Other than that, babies of all ages are allowed.

Ideal Age

To ensure an infant's immune system is developed enough to fight off illness, Baby Center recommends waiting to fly until your child is 2 or 3 months old. At this age, infants are usually able to avoid contracting illness from germs in the airplane's ventilation system. At this point, mother and baby are also likely to have developed a basic routine for feeding and sleeping that will make flying easier.

Newborns

Though waiting a little while before taking babies on planes is ideal, it is possible to take them aboard when they're 2 weeks old, as long they are healthy. Before flying, take the baby for a checkup to make sure everything is alright and that they are strong enough for the rigors of travel. If you're baby was born prematurely or you experienced a difficult pregnancy, flying this soon might not be safe, so consult with a physician.

Health of the Mother

While it's important to take a baby's health and age into consideration when flying, new moms also have special needs. Family Education explains that before flying, mothers should be "healthy and recovered from the delivery," as women who've recently given birth are at a higher risk of developing blood clots and other problems. Sitting for long periods also increases the risk, so when flying, new mothers should drink lots of water, wear support pantyhose to aid circulation, and move and stretch throughout the flight.

Tips for Flying with Babies

To alleviate painful ear pressure from changes in altitude, breast-feed or give your baby a bottle during takeoff and landing, helping open tubes in her ears. If you want to give your baby medication to help her sleep, consult with a doctor, as some medicines can have the opposite effect on infants, or be unsafe to give them. Also, bottles of formula and breast milk can be brought on planes in larger quantities than the 3.4-ounce limit on other liquids.

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About the Author

Hallie Engel is a food and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in several international publications. She served as a restaurant critic for "Time Out Abu Dhabi" and "Time Out Amsterdam" and has also written about food culture in the United Arab Emirates for "M Magazine." She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and film studies from University of Amsterdam.